Most Abused Drugs Treated at a Los Angeles Drug Treatment Center

Drug abuse is a growing problem in the US and more and more people every year need help at a Los Angeles drug treatment center. There are several drugs that are most commonly abused by the people with serious addictions who seek treatment at a facility.

The can be a number of reasons that people end up at a Los Angeles drug treatment center but the most common drug addictions seen in treatment are those abusing cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine. There are several other drugs that can be issues as well but these are the most common addictions.

Cocaine Provides a Short but Intense High

Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs that many people struggle to quit often leading them to seek help at a Los Angeles drug treatment center. It is normally used as a powder that is inhaled through the nose, but some use it in rock form. It can produce an extreme high in the user quickly which lasts for around 45 minutes. Cocaine can be deadly however as the drug provides such a brief high that it might lead people to increase their dosage until they eventually overdose.

Opioids Affect the Brain and Act on the Nervous System

Opioids include common prescription medications like Vicodin or OxyContin, as well as street drugs like heroin. When opioids are used as a prescription drug they are created to alleviate chronic pain, however the medication also stimulates the brain and provides a feeling of euphoria for the user. Although this type of medication is considered safe enough to be legal for patients, it can be highly addictive and dangerous. In high doses opioids can harm the brain, cause a person to stop breathing and even cause coma and death. Heroin users have many of the same risks and are also at risk for contracting HIV or hepatitis due to reusing or sharing needles.

Methamphetamine Damages the Heart and Brain

Another common reason some seek treatment at a Los Angeles drug treatment center is the abuse of methamphetamine. Meth is a drug that can be consumed in a number of different ways but it is most often smoked, snorted or injected. It has a variety of effects on the body as it speeds up the heart, causes changes in body temperature, anxiety, hallucinations, and the acidic content wears down and ruins the teeth of the abuser.

There are a wide variety of dangerous drugs available that are being abused by millions of people. Meth, cocaine and opioids are some of the most easily accessed drugs that can lead to serious addiction. If you or someone you is addicted to any of these drugs, please refer them to a Los Angeles drug treatment center for help and recovery.